JACKSONVILLE, N.C. -- Marines and Sailors interested in pursuing a career in agriculture can
participate in the Incubator Farm Program, which provides prospective
farmers with the knowledge and skills to become an agricultural
producer.
"The program is a schoolhouse for new farmers," said Tim McCurry, Marine
Corps Liaison with G-7, Government and External Relations. "It gives
service members the option to pursue agriculture as a career."
The program has four locations in North Carolina, with one located on Richlands Highway just 15 minutes from Jacksonville.
The program is set to start up its curriculum again, after a year-long
hiatus, and service members and wounded warriors will have the
opportunity to take part in the three-year program.
"If you like growing things and want to make a career out of it, (the
program) is the best thing for you," said Robert Roberts, Marine Corps
veteran and Incubator Farm Program graduate. "Growing up, my family
always had a garden. Eventually I want to own my own farm."
After transitioning out of the Marine Corps or Navy, some service
members stay in the local area, where agriculture is a key factor in the
economy.
Veterans, such as Roberts, who stay local and farm, continue to support
the Marine Corps by providing the base community access to fresh produce
through the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune’s farmer’s market.
"From a military standpoint, everyone benefits from supporting
agriculture," said McCurry. "Farmers can maintain their land and
training areas are preserved for aircraft through less lights and tall
structures being built."